Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, has become the first cargo handler at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to introduce electric cargo towing vehicles.

WFS said this initiative supports SATS' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) group priorities on a global scale.

The Goldhofer Sherpa E6 towing trucks—supplied by TCR—support WFS' ramp and cargo handling services for more than 50 airlines at AMS, one of Europe’s busiest air cargo locations.

WFS operates four warehouses at AMS, covering over 17,500 m² and incorporating dedicated Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and IATA CEIV Pharma-certified facilities for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products.  

WFS said Goldhofer is a leading provider of sustainable and highly efficient aircraft and cargo towing solutions, aligning with the global environmental policies adopted by airports worldwide.

The Goldhofer Sherpa E6 towing vehicle produces zero emissions and operates with low energy costs and quieter noise levels.

All-electric towing vehicles in Amsterdam 

With more vehicles on order, WFS said it will be operating a completely all-electric fleet of towing vehicles in Amsterdam by the end of Q2 2025.

"This is the latest step in our sustainability journey and towards our zero emissions goal. As well as contributing to SATS' and WFS' ESG priorities, these new electric vehicles are also improving the working environment for our employees thanks to their low noise level and operating comfort," said Stéphane Scholving, managing director of the Netherlands at WFS. 

"The improved tow hitch also improves safety and reduces the need for manual lifting," he added.

Rob Spijker, TCR's manager of sales & business development, said in support of the ‘Roadmap Zero Emission Airside Operation in 2030’ established by the Royal Schiphol Group in 2023, the company welcomes WFS becoming the first cargo handler at Amsterdam Schiphol to introduce electrically powered cargo tractors. 

"In collaboration with TCR, WFS tested several demonstration tractors before selecting the Goldhofer Sherpa E6," he said. "This electric cargo tractor delivers at least the same performance as the diesel tractors it replaces but without any emissions."

Spijker added that WFS has also invested in a fast-charging system to fully charge empty batteries within 80 minutes to ensure optimum availability within its very busy handling operation.

WFS noted that together with SATS, it is constantly seeking collaborative sustainability partners and opportunities to help achieve the group's ESG goals.

The statement said in Europe, many of WFS' country-wide cargo handling operations are now powered by 100% renewable energy, while its operations are increasingly introducing electric tractors to move cargo between warehouses and aircraft as well as electric forklifts and other vehicles supporting cargo handling processes.

Other sustainability initiatives include using LED lighting in warehouse operations, packaging recycling programmes, eco-driving courses for employees to increase fuel efficiency, and the use of biodegradable plastic to wrap airfreight pallets.